CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thursday is a huge day for local candidates trying to win your vote this election year.
The annual Mallard Creek Church Barbecue kicked off at 10 a.m. at the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church community house.
[EARLY VOTING: Mayor, City Council, CMS among key races]
Channel 9 was with volunteers Thursday morning as they prepared 15,000 pounds of barbecue, two tons of coleslaw, 400 gallons of coffee and 2,500 gallons of Brunswick stew.
As many as 20,000 people are expected to show up at the 88th annual event, which started as a fundraiser when the church was under construction during the Great Depression.
The church couldn't pay the contractor so they started the barbecue to raise money. So many people started showing up that dozens of politicians began showing up too, hoping to work the votes.
That's how it became Charlotte's premier political event, just a week and a half away from the Nov. 7 election.
The barbecue is one of the last, and most important, places where voters can actually meet candidates one-on-one. The conversations will certainly sway votes in the election just 12 days away.
Organizers told Channel 9 that the candidates who are serious about winning always show up.
The candidates in the close race for Charlotte mayor -- Democrat Vi Lyles and Republican Kenny Smith -- are both expected to work the crowds.
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